Over the last couple weeks, as I’ve been summarizing my last 14 months of travels, I have been asked the question: what’s next? by numerous bloggers. That’s a really good question! I’m unable to answer this question in entirety, as I do not know what the future holds. I do know that I’ll be starting on another journey. When one journey ends, the only thing to do is start another one. Regardless if I am traveling, my journey continues. Each of us is on our very own unique journey.
So what is next for me now that I’m not traveling full-time? I have asked this question already countless times. Honestly, I’m already in the process of finding out! I’m back based in Atlantic Canada, and happy to be in one place for longer than two weeks at a time. No more living out of a suitcase, rotating the same 7 outfits, moving from hostel to hostel, sharing living spaces with strangers, and sleeping with ear plus and a eye mask on a daily basis. Sound familiar? Thank heavens for home. I’ve never been so happy to sleep in my own bed and use my own washroom (or bathroom if you call it that). I’m back to teaching in the classroom and I’m blessed to be able to share my skills and knowledge with others. After receiving my Master’s in Education prior to my year off, I’m finally able to put into practice all that I have learned.
New Brunswick
Where does the travel fit in? Travel is always on my mind, whether I’m planning future trips, dreaming of where I’d like to go next, reading travel blogs, traveling locally, being a tourist in my own city, or taking weekend getaways. I’m already in he process of organizing trips out of the country and abroad for next year. After 14 months of travel, going back to work (to save money) is the only way to ensure I’ll be on a jet plane ready for another adventure again soon!
What’s my role now? Right now, I’m a teacher first, a traveler second, Not long ago, I was a traveler first, and a teacher second. Funny how roles reverse. I’ve come full circle. Having a steady job will enable me to plan for more extended adventures abroad! It’s all in the works! I couldn’t help but dream for bigger things this time. Go big or go home right? My students will only be the beneficiaries of my travel experiences. I’m able to use real world examples to support the learning. Recently, my grade 9 students were reading a non-fiction text about the Leaning Tower of Pisa. During the lesson, I was able to show pictures of when I visited the tower and provide my own text to self connections. That’s priceless. My students were instantly engaged because the lesson was brought to life and it made it was made real for them. I’m looking forward to more ‘ah-ha’ moments in my classroom.
I’m here, in the present.
Great post, travel is lovely, but a break from travel to pursue other interests is lovely too! I haven’t backpacked nearly as long as you have, but I can get tired from even shorter trips! Travel can be exhausting. It is nice that you have a platform to share your travels as well, sometimes one of the most frustrating things about returning home is that you are constantly thinking and talking about your experiences, and others do not understand. Children are perfect in that sense because they are always so curious!
Katie
Thank you so much. I appreciate your visit, comment, and support. I’m glad you get what I am trying to say. As much as I love travel, I don’t want to burn out by being on the road full-time. It’s perfect to take a break to do the other things I love. It’s very tiring as you know~! BINGO…not everyone can relate to my experiences and my blog is beautiful avenue to share with others who care and are interested.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
You are such a grateful, appreciative, satisfied, curious and humble person! Grateful and appreciative for what you had and what you have and for the opportunity and possibility to take 14 months off but also for having a job you love now that your are back. Satisfied with what you achieved and still curious about what life still has in store for you each new day, ready for new adventures in every single part of your life. You are a great teacher not only for the children in school! Thank you for sharing your life with us!
Erika, you amaze me. You read my posts and seem to understand exactly what I am trying to say. Not only that, you are such a great support system. Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt words. I really do appreciate all of them. You are too kind.
I hope to be someone who can inspire others, teach through my experiences, and instill/share that curiosity that I have within me. It’s beyond my control; it comes from the depths within me. For all of this I am thankful, blessed, and at the moment satisfied.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
If everyone would simply act and live by the depths within them we’d have a place of love, peace and happiness on earth! You are the fresh air so many people need to clear their mind and heart and you are the ventilator that makes them feel what the already knew! ❤
Yes we would! Our world would be a lovely place. That means a lot to me. You are amazing! How’s the writing going by the way?
Next week I am going going to Pasadena. On the weekend I am having a book promotion with book signing at “I CAN DO IT”. One of my dreams come true. I also hope that this winter I am finally able to work myself through the manuscript of my next book… next to my practice and new projects everything is in motion!
Sounds like it is all falling into place.
I love when I look at views by country I see “Liechtenstein” listed there!
You created your own Master’s in Education and the Humanities to share with your students. Incomparable to other degrees!
Traveling alone is its own Master’s in Education. My actual degree supports my real world “degree”. 🙂
You created your own Master’s in Education and the Humanities to share with your students. Incomparable to other degrees!
Well said!
Indeed!
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Not traveling full time doesnt mean you wont be traveling, and that you wont be for example exploring your own country… so I believe now things will be different for you, having a routine again, but you will be like most of us travel bloggers, travel whenever you can. I like this, because traveling becomes something more special, that excitement you have planning your next trip, or counting the days to go… you will have a new phase now, which is also very pleasant 😀
Yes indeed! Traveling whenever and wherever I can! I like having something to look forward to!
Exactly 😀 and I will stay tuned with your blog, as always 😀
Congrats on completing your 14 month journey!!!!! 🙂 I thank God for your safety along the way. Good luck on all that the future holds!
Blessings always my friend 😉
JC
Thank you so much for your prayers and support. I made it safe and sound!
If I can’t travel far away, then I like to try and explore everything that is right under my nose! New restaurants, walking paths I haven’t been on etc. There is sometimes a whole world of adventure right on your doorstep that you can explore in the weekends and evenings! Enjoy your new pace of life 🙂
Exactly! If you are anything like me, I need to be constantly expanding my horizons or I get bored or non-complacent. Even if it is right in my city, I want to explore more! I’m enjoying a slower pace. Stresses come in different forms now, but I am using yoga as a means of balancing my life.
Congratulations on resuming your teaching career. I can’t believe how easily you’ve been able to continue your blogging while putting so much energy into your work. It’s a tough balancing act that I have not been very successful at this fall. I do remember feeling I had to explore my own country more fully when I returned from my year in Australia. And that’s exactly what I have done in the past 3 summers, away from school. Only 2 more years to go to retirement and then watch out world!! In the meantime, I feel my own teaching has been enriched immeasurably by the travels and year living and working abroad. Funny thing about travel though, it is addictive. There seems to be no limit to our plans and dreams. Next stop for us is perhaps Cuba or Punta Cana and then 3 cities in Spain during March Break.
good luck! I will be interested to see how you go. Usually after a month home I find things are a little difficult, I feel a little down. Hopefully you won’t experience that!
Thanks so much. The transition from a traveling life to a working one is always a difficult transition. But more traveling in store!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Yes— a kindred spirit! I too, am a teacher with wanderlust, and the experiences are priceless to share with both my students and my own kiddos! For the past two years, I have not traveled far from home, but we are saving for future travels.
Whooo Whoooo, we really do relate to each other! Where are you planning to travel?
Dear Turquoise Compass,
You are a true inspiration to those of us who would love to travel full time but cannot because of many reasons. I hope one day I am as blessed as you were to take off for a year and do so. But until then I will keep on reading about wherever you go. From your southern friend from the States – Peacockdiaries (Travel and find your soul) and yes that you are my friend!!
Thank you so much for your kind and heartfelt message. I appreciate your comment. I’m glad that I’ve been an inspiration over the last year and a half and hope to continue to inspire through my future journey. I’m sure your opportunity will come. It took me years to save up for my year off. It’s well worth the wait! 🙂
Jessica, Turquoise Compass